August 5 is a landmark day in India, especially since several historic decisions and steps were taken on this day over the years in the Modi era. Article 370 was abrogated on 5 August 2019.
While there is a debate on whether the move was good for the country and Kashmir as such, we take a look at 17 “firsts” that were possible because of the abrogation.
Tribals Of J&K Got Equal Rights
The abrogation of Article 370 ended decades-long discrimination against tribal communities like the Gujjar-Bakerwal and Gaddi-Sippi in Jammu and Kashmir, granting them equal rights for the first time since Independence. This change empowered these communities, protected their land, improved education, and uplifted their socio-economic status.
Following the abrogation, the central government implemented key initiatives, including implementing the Forest Rights Act, establishing milk villages, developing transit accommodations, and creating seasonal schools and hostels. The government also supported tribal women and established Tribal Chairs in educational institutes.
Double-Lane Bridge In Ladakh
In August 2020, the Union Territory of Ladakh got its first double-lane motorable bridge at Choglamsar.
Electricity Supply In Ladakh
In November 2020, Photoksar village in Leh district, Ladakh, received electricity for the first time since India’s Independence, bringing immense joy to its residents. The power grid line was attributed to initiatives like the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The electrification enhanced children’s education and overall living conditions.
Industrial Development Scheme
In January 2021, the administration of Jammu and Kashmir announced a new Industrial Developmental Scheme (IDS), with a substantial outlay of ₹28,400 crore aimed at promoting investment and fostering industrial growth at the block level for the first time in history. The initiative would transform the industrial landscape, bringing significant socio-economic benefits to the area.
Domicile Certificate
In July 2021, the Jammu and Kashmir administration announced a significant amendment to the Domicile Act, allowing non-state subject spouses of native women to obtain domicile certificates. Previously ineligible, spouses can secure domicile based on their partner’s status. The new policy ensures gender equality, addressing a long-standing issue where women who married outside the UT faced discrimination. It happened because Article 37o was abrogated.
Investments Pour Into J&K
For the first time in India’s history post-independence, the UAE became a significant investor in Jammu and Kashmir’s development in January 2022. In October 2021, both governments signed an MoU to develop real estate, industrial parks, and super-speciality hospitals. In January 2022, an agreement with the LuLu Group aimed to establish a food processing and logistics hub in Srinagar, facilitating the reach of J&K products to LuLu Hypermarkets across the Gulf.
Women Empowerment
For the first time since Independence, abrogation of Article 370 led to women being given 15% reservation in non-gazetted cadre in J&K Police on 27 January 2022.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha made this announcement on National Girl Child Day. This move aims to empower women and increase their representation. It also addresses long-standing inequalities and enhances the handling of gender-based crimes.
Data Connectivity In Ladakh
In June 2022, Reliance Jio launched 4G voice and data services in Spangmik village near Pangong Lake, becoming the first operator to provide 4G connectivity. This was a long-standing local demand and enhanced connectivity for tourists and troops. In May 2022, Jio started services in Kanji, Urbis, Hanupatta, and Chunglungkha villages. This project wouldn’t have been executed so well if the Centre hadn’t abrogated Article 370.
National Rowing Championship
In June 2022, the first-ever National Rowing Championship in J&K UT at SKICC was inaugurated. This event follows the historic ‘First Chess Olympiad Torch Relay.‘ The Nehru Park Water Sports Center, offering world-class facilities, trains 400 children daily and has contributed to 100 national-level medals in the last three years. Another water sports centre is being developed in Basohli, Jammu.
GI Tag For Ladakh Apricot
In December 2022, the Ladakh “Raksey Karpo” apricot received its first geographical identification (GI) tag.
J&K Tourism
For the first time in the history of J&K, 1.88 crore tourists visited the UT in the previous year, 2022.
Electricity Supply In Kashmir
In January 2023, residents of Tethan in Dooru block, Anantnag district, received electricity for the first time in 75 years under the centrally sponsored PM Development Package scheme. The village, with a population of 200, had relied on traditional wood and candlelight until now. The electrification brought immense joy, with residents celebrating and expressing gratitude to the government and power department. The project included installing a 63 KV transformer, 38 High-Tension lines, and 57 LT poles, providing electricity to 60 houses.
Jammu Tourism
The first Tulip Garden in the Jammu division was inaugurated at Sanasar in April 2023. The garden is spread over 40 Kanals. It has 2.75 lakh tulip bulbs of 25 varieties situated amid lush green woods in the Ramban district.
Kupwara Tourism
In May 2023, J&K Road Transport Corporation started tourist bus services for the first time to Teetwal near the Line of Control in Kupwara to promote border and religious tourism. This followed the inauguration of Maa Sharda Devi Temple.
Poonch To Srinagar Tourism
In May 2023, the first-ever J&K Road Transport Corporation (JKSRTC) deluxe bus service from Poonch to Srinagar via Mughal Road was flagged off. Mughal Road, an alternate route connecting Jammu and Kashmir divisions, recently reopened for one-way traffic after delays due to inclement weather conditions.
Cinema Halls In Baramulla & Handwara
In July 2023, two 100-seater Multipurpose Cinema halls were inaugurated in Baramulla and Handwara, marking the return of cinema to Baramulla after over three decades. These halls, established under a Public-Private Partnership, offer recreational facilities, a café, VR, and seminar spaces.
Mobile Tower In Kupwara
In August 2023, on the fourth anniversary of Article 370’s abrogation, Machil village in Kashmir celebrated receiving its first mobile tower, an Airtel installation. This marked a significant advancement in the village’s communication infrastructure, which had long lacked mobile connectivity.
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